Gypsies and their Enchanting Ways of Life...

I have a great love and fascination with the Gypsies, I always have.
For this reason I have decided to include some blogs about their beliefs, ways of life and some of their magickal practices.
Some of the following information was taken from my book:
Gypsy Witchcraft and Magick by Raymond Buckland.
If you have an interest in the Gypsies then I highly recommend this book. Buckland is one of my favorite authors of books on the old ways. He is a reliable source of information and I enjoy his honesty about the old ways.

Omens, taboos, and prophecies, it's all part of everyday life for the Gypsies. The traditional Gypsy uses herbal lore, basic magic, and divination for practical matters. In other words, magick was a part of their everyday lives.
The Gypsies earned a reputation as thieves, a reputation that still follows them till this day. It is an undeserved label and one that came from the belief that they held that everything that exists does so for the pleasure and delight of human kind. They believe the trees and flowers, the birds and beasts are all here for our enjoyment. Consequently, when a Gypsy passes along a road and saw an apple tree bearing fruit, he would think nothing of stopping and helping himself. Similarly, to trap a rabbit or a pheasant for food was to enjoy that which the Gods provided. How, the Gypsy reasoned, could a man, farmer, or landowner object to this, for surely no man can own that which is given freely by the Gods?
So the travelers helped themselves to what others saw as their property. It was no wonder that, in their innocence, the Gypsies earned a reputation as thieves.
That innocence did not last long. Later, and in the present day, thievery is a result of fighting to exist, rather then being due to any earlier philosophies.
So began the persecutions from which the Gypsy people have still not freed themselves. Throughout Europe they had become a major social problem, especially since it was virtually impossible to force them into a sedentary way of life.
King Ferdinand of Spain, in 1492, banished them from his country. Any who would not leave, he said, should be exterminated!
Can you imagine how that felt? To actually be banished from a country or be put to death?
Despite being looked upon as "dirty" people, Gypsies are very clean and very much aware of the necessity for cleanliness. Gypsies also strive to be spiritually clean. They believe in such things as the evil eye, curses, black magick, and the like, and have many ways to cleanse and exorcise.
Gypsies do not curse people for the fun of it, as late-night movies and bad novels might have you believe! However, they will certainly not hesitate to turn a guajo's (a non-gypsy) negativity back on him or her. In this they differ from the Wiccans in that they will not sit back and wait for the gods to direct retribution- they will take matters into their own hands and act immediately. If they feel that evil has been directed at them, and they don't know from whom, they have ways of cleansing themselves of it. The Gypsy witch, also known as the shuvani, is especially adept at this.
The Romany believe in the "evil eye". They believe it is possible for someone to put a curse on someone else merely be looking at this person. This may or may not be done deliberately, for there are those who possess the evil eye without even realizing it.
A remedy for the evil eye, found among many Continental Gypsies, is to take a kettle to a stream and fill it with water, taken with the current, not against it.
Seven pieces of coal are placed in the vessel, along with seven handfuls of meal, and seven cloves of garlic.
The kettle is put over a fire and the water brought to a boil. Then it is stirred with a three-forked stick and the following is said:

"Evil eyes that look on thee,
May they here extinguished be!
And then seven ravens
Pluck out the evil eyes.
Evil eyes now look on thee,
May they soon extinguished be!
Much dust in the eyes,
So may they become blind.
Evil eyes now look on thee,
May they soon extinguished be!
May they burn, may they burn,
In the fire of all good!

I plan on posting more blogs on the Gypsy way of life as well as spells, charms, and divination's.
Thank you for stopping by Magickal Enchantments blog.
Don't forget to join my blog and leave a comment to be entered into the next giveaway which will be starting soon!
If anyone has a particular item from my store that they would like to see offered as the next giveaway prize I would love to hear about it!
The item that I hear about most I will offer.

Winner of the Holiday Oracle Reading!

I wanted to let everyone know that the winner of my Holiday Giveaway Oracle reading was Sarah from N Style Designs. Congrats to Sarah..:)
Sarah creates lovely pieces of handcrafted jewelry. If you would like to check out her enchanting wares please visit her shop by following the link below:
www.nstyledesign.etsy.com

A little about Sarah:
I am a jewelry artist from the midwest. I have a wonderful husband and 2 children. I work mainly with gemstones and crystals. Some wonderful energy drew me toward them and now I feel the need to share that wonderful relationship with everyone else as well. I love creating things and I hope that my pieces can provide some people with as much happiness as I had when I created them.





I will be posting a new giveaway for the New Year shortly, so stay tuned.
Brightest Blessings,
The Celtic Witch
)0(

Holiday Stress Relief

As we approach Christmas I thought I would post some stress relieving magickal ideas.
This is the most joyous time of year, I know, however it is also a stressful time for us as well. We have about 10 days left to finish up the last of our shopping as well as plan and purchase our holiday meal. And lets not forget about getting our houses in order before company arrives.
I figured we could all use some easy stress relieving ideas for this time so here they are:
Crystals are wonderful treasures for so many things and there are a few that can come in handy when dealing with stress and anxiety.

Banded Agate:
Energy type: Projective. Associated element: Fire.
Used for protection, to restore energy within the body and relieve stress.

Blue Agate:
Energy type: Receptive. Associated element: Water.
Used as an amulet to promote peace and happiness. Can be used to de-stress yourself by holding in your hand.

Red Agate (Blood agate):
Energy type: Projective. Associated element: Fire.
Used to promote calm and inner peace, it can also be used to heal the blood and guard against insect bites.

Amethyst
Powers & Magical uses: Dreams, Overcoming Alcoholism, Healing, Psychism, Peace, Love, Protection against theft, Courage, Happiness.
Energy type: Receptive. Associated element: Water.
Use to prevent insomnia and nightmares by sleeping with a piece of amethyst under your pillow. It is a reducer of stress, so it can be used to great effect in today's pressured lifestyle. Use amethyst to calm fears, raise hopes, and enhance spirituality. Amethyst can also be used to enhance psychic abilities, and aid meditation.
An all round gemstone that you should not be without.

Chrysocolla
Powers & Magickal uses: Peace, Wisdom, Love.
Energy type: Receptive. Associated element: Water.
Used to sooth the emotions, and promote loving relationships.

Blue Quartz:
Energy type: Receptive. Associated element: Water.
Used to promote peace and tranquillity.

Rose Quartz:
Energy type: Receptive. Associated element: Water.
Used to open the heart chakra, and to promote peace and harmony.

Sodalite
Powers & Magickal uses: Healing, Peace, Meditation, Wisdom.
Energy type: Receptive. Associated element: Water.
Used to reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure.

That is a decent selection of crystals that you can use to relieve stress. Make sure to cleanse them first of course and then carry them as close to your skin as possible.
Crystal information found on WiccaChat.com

Here are some simple spells. I love bath spells as a simple bath is relaxing on its own, adding magick to it can only make it better.

A PEACE BATH
Draw a bath for yourself. Pour a tablespoon or so of milk into a large bowl of water and say:
'Water ripples on the breeze...'
Add several rose petals (fresh or dried) to the bowl of water and milk.
Say: 'Thistledown flies through the air...'
Stir the water, milk, and rose petals with the index finger of your right hand. Say:
'Silent as the mighty seas...'
Gently pour the mixture that you have created into the bath. Say:
'Peaceful here without a care.'
Step in. Bathe for as long as you wish.
Let the water absorb negative thoughts and worries. Allow yourself a few moments of healing.

TO CREATE CALMNESS AND HELP CONCENTRATION
You need: White candle Jasmine or Pine incense Sprig of sage
This is best performed at night, but it can be done any time of day.
Light the white candle and the incense stick.
Close your eyes and hold the sage close to your nose, and breathe in its calming scent.
Keep holding it as say:
"Calming powers of sage and pine, Add order to this life of mine. (name)
By the four corners, elements, God and Goddess too, If this gift seems fit to you,
Then please grant calmness unto him/me. So mote it be, So mote it be."
Repeat as necessary. 3x3 times. It always works within a day or two.

I really liked the idea of this one....
DEPRESSION/STRESSED SPIRIT SPELL
Everyone knows someone who is or has been depressed or really stressed out so
make time in your magical + social life for them. Give them a helping hand by writing
this on paper and then burning it to release the magic:
Magic moon burning bright,
Let mine will be done this night.
Answer now my Pagan Spell,
Let all with ______ now be well.

khakani.com is where I came across these spells. This site has a nice selection of free spells and chants.

I hope you all enjoyed this post and found some things you can utilize to reduce any holiday stress you may be experiencing.
Brightest Blessings,
The Celtic Witch
www.TheCelticWitch.com

Pagan Yule Songs, chants and more!

Twas the eve of midwinter, and all through the coven
The Witches were cooking strange things in the oven.
There were mugwort frittatas, and dragon's-blood stew
And mescaline eggnog and mandrake fondue.
There were hot mountain oysters and road-kill paté
And spotted-owl kidneys, and wombat flambé.

The circle was cast and the herbs had been smoked
In hopes that the Goddess would soon be invoked.
When out by the hot tub arose such a clatter
I jumped on my broom to see what was the matter.

And what should I see in the blackberry thorns
But a soaking wet Goddess and eight unicorns!
"I was just sitting down with my vibrating phallus
And a good book," she muttered, "You bitches are callous.
I came when you called, over all my objections,
And got lost in the woods -- you give lousy directions.
You turkeys invoked me, now look at my dress
My period's late and I've got PMS."
She cursed as she muttered; she looked like a wreck
The unicorns whimpered and sat on the deck.

We gave her some weed and we got her some grub
We bought her clean towels and she soaked in the tub.
Then she rose, hot and dripping, and gave us her blessing
And jumped in her chariot, without even dressing!

"On Isis! On Eris! Oya and Astarte!
On Ishtar! Inanna! Kali and Hecate!"
We heard her exclaim as she climbed through the air
"Thank Goddess there's only eight sabbats a year!"

by Aurora Borealis Medicine Turkey

This was in my 2006 Grimoire and I always get a kick out of reading it!

Here are some other tidbits for your reading pleasure..

This is a chant that is spoken before casting a circle, usually repeated three times. It is very powerful - often spoken before spells invoving the release of negativity, anger, and inner struggles:

The troubles that haunt me, that burn me inside,
Move out from my body and into the sky.
Into my body flows purity and peace,
I am cleansed by the Goddess, my struggles released.


To get rid of your anger:
In your right hand, hold some sandy dirt. Poor all your anger into it and then say:

Anger I bind within my hand,
Now I toss it to the land
With harm to none, and for the good of all, so shall it be!
Now throw the dirt over your shoulder and walk away without looking back.

Hark the Neo-Pagans Sing
by Sunblade
(Tune: Hark the Herald Angels Sing)
Hark the Neo Pagans sing,
Glory to the Holly King!
Peace on Earth and mercy mild,
God and Goddess reconciled,
Hear us now as we proclaim,
We have risen from the flames,
Our ancient Craft now we reclaim,
In the God and Goddess' names
Hark the Neo-Pagans sing,
Glory to the Holly King!

Herne by highest love adored,
Herne the ever-reborn Lord,
At all times behold Him come,
Offspring of the Holy One,
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see,
Hail incarnate Deity!
Our ancient Craft we now reclaim,
In the God and Goddess' names
Hark the neo-Pagans sing,
Glory to the Holly King!


Silent Night
by Ellen Reed
Silent night, Solstice Night
All is calm, all is bright
Nature slumbers in forest and glen
Till the Springtime She wakens again
Sleeping spirits grow strong!
Sleeping spirits grow strong!

Silent Night, Solstice Night
Silver moon shine bright
Snowflakes blanket the slumbering earth
Yule fires welcome the Sun's rebirth
Hark, the Light is reborn!
Hark, the Light is reborn!<.p>

Silent Night, Solstice Night
Quiet rest till the Light
Turning every the rolling wheel
Brings the Winter to comfort and heal
Rest your spirit in peace!
Rest your spirit in peace!

Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland!
by Alexander and Aarcher
Pagans sing, are you listenin'
Alters set, candles glisten,
Its a magical night, we're having tonight
Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland

Blades held high, censor smoking,
God and Goddess, we're invoking,
Through Elements Five, we celebrate life,
Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland,

Queen of Heaven, is in her place,
Triple Goddess, now the Crone face
Above and below, She's the Goddess we know,
Dancing in a Wiccan wonderland.

Now the God, is the provider
Supplying game for our fire,
Above and below, He's the Horned one we know,
Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland

In a circle we can burn a Yule fire,
And await the rising of the Sun,
It's the great wheel turning for the new year,
Loaded with abundance and great fun

Later on, by the fire,
Cone of Power, gettin' higher
Its a Magickal Night, we're having tonight,
Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland!

THE 13 DAYS OF SOLSTICE
- words by Pashta MaryMoon

ON THE 1RST DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 2ND DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
GOD AND GODDESS BLESSINGS
AND THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 3RD DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
3-FOLD LAW
GOD AND GODDESS BLESSINGS
AND THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 4TH DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
4 DIRECTIONS CALLED
3-FOLD LAW
GOD AND GODDESS BLESSINGS
AND THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 5TH DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
5-POINT PENTAGRAM
4 DIRECTIONS CALLED
3-FOLD LAW
GOD AND GODDESS BLESSINGS
AND THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 6TH DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
6 REALMS OF BEING (Tibetan B of D)
5-POINT PENTAGRAM
4 DIRECTIONS CALLED
3-FOLD LAW
GOD AND GODDESS BLESSINGS
AND THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 7TH DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
7 GLOWING CHAKRAS
6 REALMS OF BEING -
5-POINT PENTAGRAM
4 DIRECTIONS CALLED
3-FOLD LAW
GOD AND GODDESS BLESSINGS
AND THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 8TH DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
8 HOLY SABBATS
7 GLOWING CHAKRAS
6 REALMS OF BEING -
5-POINT PENTAGRAM
4 DIRECTIONS CALLED
3-FOLD LAW
GOD AND GODDESS BLESSINGS
AND THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 9TH DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
9 CHANTING MUSES
8 HOLY SABBATS
7 GLOWING CHAKRAS
6 REALMS OF BEING -
5-POINT PENTAGRAM
4 DIRECTIONS CALLED
3-FOLD LAW
GOD AND GODDESS BLESSINGS
AND THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 10TH DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
10 SPHERES OF KABBALA
9 CHANTING MUSES
8 HOLY SABBATS
7 GLOWING CHAKRAS
6 REALMS OF BEING -
5-POINT PENTAGRAM 4 DIRECTIONS CALLED
3-FOLD LAW
GOD AND GODDESS BLESSINGS
AND THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 11TH DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
11 KIN OF THE CIRCLE (+P&Ps=13)
10 SPHERES OF KABBALA
9 CHANTING MUSES
8 HOLY SABBATS
7 GLOWING CHAKRAS
6 REALMS OF BEING -
5-POINT PENTAGRAM
4 DIRECTIONS CALLED
3-FOLD LAW
GOD AND GODDESS BLESSINGS
AND THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 12TH DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
12 SIGNS OF THE HEAVENS (zodiac)
11 KIN OF THE CIRCLE
10 SPHERES OF KABBALA
9 CHANTING MUSES
8 HOLY SABBATS
7 GLOWING CHAKRAS
6 REALMS OF BEING -
5-POINT PENTAGRAM
4 DIRECTIONS CALLED
3-FOLD LAW
GOD AND GODDESS BLESSINGS
AND THE WILL TO 'HARM YE NONE'

ON THE 13TH DAY OF SOLSTICE THE GODDESS SENT TO ME
13 FULL MOONS SHINING
12 SIGNS OF THE HEAVENS
etc.

Pagan Parenting

I came across a great page in the latest issue of Circle Magazine that I wanted to share with you.
It's about raising a child Pagan and I found it very enlightening and I hope you do as well.
To Raise a child Pagan is...
...to teach the ways of the past through ritual.
...to build confidence slowly and surely.
...to reveal the sacred through out the day.
...to expand the notion of extended family.
...to allow wisdom to be gained through failure.
...to be assured infinite opportunities to talk and teach, listen and learn.
...to embrace the power of youth.
...to lead by example.
...to invite exuberant imagination.
...to foster self-love.
...to gain knowledge through fresh young eyes.
...to have the help and guidance of a tribe.
...to embrace the full range of emotion and show how to channel it.
...to instill a feeling of being connected to a whole.
...to behold the human potential realized.
...to run barefoot and wild, surrounded by laughter.
...to create a world of possibility and wonder.
...to encourage personal responsibility.
...to demonstrate respect for nature.
...to wish you were raised pagan yourself.
...a gift to the universe and an incredible honor.
By Peggy Burke
Madison, Wisconsin

As a Pagan parent there is always the search for quality and substantive materials and organizations that will contribute to your children's intellectual and spiritual growth.
The internet now provides an easier access to sites on Pagan Family practice, activities, and networking.
Here are some sites I am sure you will enjoy visiting.

www.paganparenting.com
www.spiralscouts.org
www.circleround.com
www.mysticwicks.com

Here are some pagan oriented books:

"Family Wicca" by Ashleen O'Gaea
"Raising Witches, Teaching the Wiccan Faith to Children" by Ashleen O'Gaea
"Celebrating the Great Mother: A handbook of Earth Honoring activities for parents and children" by Cait Johnson and Maura D. Shaw
"My First Little Book of Wicca" by Rev. Velvet Rieth
"Raising Pagans, When daddy is catholic and Mommy is a Witch: What's a couple to teach their children?" by Kathleen Richard

Enjoy all!

"Twas the Night Before Yule..."

'Twas that night before Yule, when all 'cross the heath,
Not a being was stirring; Pagan, Faerie, nor Beast,
Wassail was left out and the altar adorned,
To rejoice that the Sun King would soon be reborn.
The children lay sleeping by the warmth of the hearth,
Their dreams filled with visions of beloved Mother Earth,
M'lady and I beneath blankets piled deep, had just settled
down to our Solstice sleep.
Then a noise in the night that would leave us no peace,
Awakened us both to the honking of geese.
Eager to see such a boisterous flock,
When we raced to the window, our mouths dropped in shock!
On the West Wind flew a gaggle of geese, white and gray,
With Frau Holda behind them in Her gift-laiden dray.
The figure on Her broomstick to the North sky made it clear,
La Befana was approaching to bestow Yuletide cheer.
From the South came a comet more bright than the Moon,
And we knew Lucia would be with us soon.
As these Spirits sailed Earthward o'er hilltops and trees,
Frau Holda serenaded Her feathery steeds:
"Fly Isolde! Fly Tristan! Fly Odin and Freya! Fly Morgaine!
Fly Merlin! Fly Uranus and Gaea!
May the God and Goddess inside you soar,
From the clouds in the heavens to your cottage door."
As soft and silent as snowflakes they fell;
Their arrival announced by a faint chiming bell.
They landed like angels, their bodies aglow,
Their feet left no marks in the new fallen snow,
Before we could ponder what next lay in store,
There came a slow creeking from our threshold door.
We crept from our bedroom and were spellbound to see...
There in our parlor stood the Yule Trinity!
Lucia the Maiden, with Her head wreathed in flame,
Shown with the radiance for which she She was named,
The Lightbringers eyes held the joy of a child,
And she spoke with a voice that was gentle, yet wild:
"May the warmth of this household ne'er fade away."
Then she lit our Yule log which still burns to this day.
Frau Holda in Her down cloak stood regal and tall,
The Matron of Solstice, the Mother of all,
Under Her gaze we felt safe and secure.
Her voice was commanding, yet almost demure:
"May the love in this family enrich young and old."
And from the folds of Her cloak showered coins of pure gold,
LaBefana wore a kerchief on Her silvery hair;
The veil of the Crone who has secrets to share,
In Her eyes gleamed a wisdom only gained by spent youth.
Her voice was whisper, but Her words rung the truth:
"May health, glad tidings, and peace fill these rooms."
And she banished misfortune with a sweep of Her broom,
They then left a gift by each sleeping childs head,
Took a drink of our wassail, and away they all sped.
While we watched them fly off through the night sky we laughed,
At the wonderous magick we had found in the Craft.
As they departed, the Spirits decreed...

"Merry Yule To You All, And May All Blessed Be!"

Yule Legends, chants, stories and family crafts.

According to legend, the snowflake was formed from the tears that Demeter cried after Persephone’s descent into the Underworld. The microscopic flakes have six sides, and since six is the numerological digit associated with affection, the snowflake was used by Pagans as a winter symbol of love
Christmas Trees and Plants
The tree was an important symbol to every Pagan culture. The oak in particular was venerated by the Druids. Evergreens, which in ancient Rome were thought to have special powers and were used for decoration, symbolized the promised return of life in the spring and came to symbolize eternal life for Christians. The Vikings hung fir and ash trees with war trophies for good luck.
Holly, ivy, and mistletoe were all important plants to the Druids. It was believed that good spirits lived in the branches of holly. Christians believed that the berries had been white before they were turned red by Christ's blood when he was made to wear the crown of thorns. Ivy was associated with the Roman god Bacchus and was not allowed by the Church as decoration until later in the middle ages, when a superstition that it could help recognize witches and protect against plague arose.

Yule Log Hike

Materials: Warm Clothes, Sense of Adventure.

This is an activity that can be done the weekend before Yule. On a bright crisp morning, dress the family warmly and head for the park, mountains, or beach. As you hike along, looking for that special Yule log to place in your hearth, also be looking for decorations to make it personalized by each member of the family. Select a proportionally sized log that will fit easily into your fire place. Ash, oak, or cedar make great Yule logs. Try to find one that has already fallen and is on the ground. On the beach, driftwood can be found and obtained for your log. As you are looking, or on your way back home look for natural decorations to adorn your Yule log with. Traditional adornments are, pine cones, leaves, holly sprigs, mistletoe sprigs, rosebuds, winter flowers, wheat stalks, and corn husks. If you must cut anything from a living plant, remember to ask and thank the plant for its gift. If you don't have a fire place, select a smaller log, slightly flat on one side so that it doesn't roll. Adorning the logs will appear farther along in the activities. (Explain how the Yule log was set ablaze on Solstice night to help vanquish the dark and add strength to the returning sun.)

Welcome Sunshine Bells

Materials:
Thin Cardboard, Pencil and Scissors, One Light yellow and One Bright Yellow Felt Square (10"x10"), 7 Small Jingle Bells, 12" Gold String or Cord, White Glue, Buttons, Glitter, Sequins.

Help child to draw a circle 7" in diameter, and another circle 7" in diameter with eight 1" triangle rays on the cardboard. Cut out for patterns. Place circle on the light yellow felt square, trace and cut out. Do the same with the "rayed" circle on the bright yellow felt. Using a drinking glass as a guide, trace a circle in the center, on the back side of both felt cut-outs. Carefully fold each circle in half, and make a cut from one side of center circle to the other. Repeat 3 times for a total of 4 cuts per piece. This is how you will get the decoration over the doorknob. Next, line up the circles and the cuts so that the rays extend 1" from behind the light yellow felt circle. Glue together. Allow the child to draw designs on the front of the ornament with glue. Sprinkle with glitter and glue on some sequins and buttons. Cut gold string or cord into three 4" strands. Tie jingle bells (spaced) onto the gold string or cord. Glue string/cord to the bottom of the Sun decoration on the back side. Allow to dry. Place on a doorknob that the bells will jingle as the door is opened and closed. ( Tell children that more than just the sun brightens our lives everyday. Explain the way to welcome the Yule sun back into their lives is to keep the brightness in their hearts all year long. Jingle bells make a warm and inviting sound, and therefore should jingle each time someone enters or leaves a room.)

Cup O' Sunshine

Materials:
Terra-Cotta Pot, Paints and Paintbrushes, Styrofoam Block, String, Scissors, 1 yd 2" wide Green Ribbon, Yellow, Red, and Orange Lollipops and Sugar Sticks, Jelly Beans.

Clean terra-cotta pot if necessary. Allow to dry. Paint outside and down to first lip of inside with a bright solid color. After this base coat dries, decorate with other colors. When completely dry, place a block of styrofoam in the bottom of the pot. Cut green leaves out of the ribbon and tie to lollipops with string. Push the lollipop sticks into the styrofoam block to anchor them. Add the sugar sticks and fill rest of pot with loose jellybeans. (Explain to children that during the dark part of the year, sometimes we need to make our own sunshine. Let them know that bright colored gardens and flowers will be back in the spring, and this little pot of sunshine will cheer up a sick friend or relative.)

Adorning the Yule Log

Materials:
Holly, Mistletoe, Rosebuds, Pine Cones, Evergreen Sprigs, Gold String/Cord, Gold Bows, Apple Cider, Flour.

After cleaning off the Yule log, let the children decorate it how ever they chose. Glue, wire, or small holes in the log will help to adhere the decorations. Once the log is decorated, "wassail" (toast and douse) it with a libation of apple cider. Finally, dust the log with white flour, set in grate in fireplace, and (parents only) set ablaze. (Explain to children how Yule logs used to smolder for 12 days before there was another ceremony to put the log out. Then apart of the log was strapped to the plow the next spring to spread the blessings over the land, and another piece was saved to light the next Yule's log, the next year.)

Yule Chant Solstice Blessing
Brightly burns the Yule log tonight
Magic dances in firelight
Hold my hand and join the song
Raise the Sun King bright and strong
Dark is giving way to light
As brightly burns the Yule log tonight!
---Akasha

Twas the night before Yuletide and all through the glen
Not a creature was stirring, not a fox, not a hen.
A mantle of snow shone brightly that night
As it lay on the ground, reflecting moonlight.

The faeries were nestled all snug in their trees,
Unmindful of flurries and a chilly north breeze.
The elves and the gnomes were down in their burrows,
Sleeping like babes in their soft earthen furrows.

When low! the earth moved with a thunderous quake,
Causing chairs to fall over and dishes to break.
The Little Folk scrambled to get on their feet
Then raced to the river where they usually meet.

“What happened?” they wondered, they questioned, they probed,
As they shivered in night clothes, some bare-armed, some robed.
“What caused the earth's shudder? What caused her to shiver?”
They all spoke at once as they stood by the river.

Then what to their wondering eyes should appear
But a shining gold light in the shape of a sphere.
It blinked and it twinkled, it winked like an eye,
Then it flew straight up and was lost in the sky.

Before they could murmur, before they could bustle,
There emerged from the crowd, with a swish and a rustle,
A stately old crone with her hand on a cane,
Resplendent in green with a flowing white mane.

As she passed by them the old crone's perfume,
Smelling of meadows and flowers abloom,
Made each of the fey folk think of the spring
When the earth wakes from slumber and the birds start to sing.

“My name is Gaia,” the old crone proclaimed
in a voice that at once was both wild and tamed,
“I've come to remind you, for you seem to forget,
that Yule is the time of re-birth, and yet…”
“I see no hearth fires, hear no music, no bells,
The air isn't filled with fragrant smells
Of baking and roasting, and simmering stews,
Of cider that's mulled or other hot brews.”

“There aren't any children at play in the snow,
Or houses lit up by candles’ glow.
Have you forgotten, my children, the fun
Of celebrating the rebirth of the sun?”

She looked at the fey folk, her eyes going round,
As they shuffled their feet and stared at the ground.
Then she smiled the smile that brings light to the day,
“Come, my children,” she said, “Let's play.”

They gathered the mistletoe, gathered the holly,
Threw off the drab and drew on the jolly.
They lit a big bonfire, and they danced and they sang.
They brought out the bells and clapped when they rang.

They strung lights on the trees, and bows, oh so merry,
In colors of cranberry, bayberry, cherry.
They built giant snowmen and adorned them with hats,
Then surrounded them with snow birds, and snow cats and bats.

Then just before dawn, at the end of their fest,
Before they went homeward to seek out their rest,
The fey folk they gathered ‘round their favorite oak tree
And welcomed the sun ‘neath the tree's finery.

They were just reaching home when suddenly it came,
The gold light returned like an arrow-shot flame.
It lit on the tree top where they could see from afar
The golden-like sphere turned into a star.

The old crone just smiled at the beautiful sight,
"Happy Yuletide, my children," she whispered. "Good night."